That pic was at SHOT earlier this year. Besides, I don't think anyone would notice a different shade of tan added to the rifle :laugh: I'm getting the black one anyways, so moot point for me :P

It extends that far for a few reasons. One is to cover the gas block. I've come into contact with it after firing several rounds and made sure NEVER to do so again. The other benefit is that is allows people with long arms (like myself) to get a more rigid stance by allowing their support arm to lock at the elbow without getting a handful of gas block (see reason #1). Lastly it allows you to mount accessories further forward so that they don't interfere with whatever support grip you happen to be using.

Manipulating the gas switch isn't necessary at all aside from cleaning the port every so often or going to a suppressor. Even then, there's still plenty of room to get down in there with gloved digits especially if you flip the front sight up.

Well, the AR versions go for $200 for the full-length models, and that comes with an integrated top rail. Since this is only the handguard itself I don't see it costing any more than that. I seem to remember that the "rumored" MSRP was going to be around $175.